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McCutchen, Marte, Martin miss out on Gold Gloves

McCutchen, Marte, Martin miss out on Gold Gloves

7/30/13: Andrew McCutchen makes a diving catch in center to rob Carlos Beltran of a hit, then throws to first to complete the double play

By Tom Singer
/
MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates were blanked in the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, announced Tuesday night.

Center fielder Andrew McCutchen, left fielder Starling Marte and catcher Russell Martin went 0-for-3 as finalists for the awards emblematic of defensive excellence.

2013 Gold glove winners

POS

AL winner

NL winner

C

Salvador Perez, KC

Yadier Molina, STL

1B

Eric Hosmer, KC

Paul Goldschmidt, ARI

2B

Dustin Pedroia, BOS

Brandon Phillips, CIN

SS

J.J. Hardy, BAL

Andrelton Simmons, ATL

3B

Manny Machado, BAL

Nolan Arenado, COL

LF

Alex Gordon, KC

Carlos Gonzalez, COL

CF

Adam Jones, BAL

Carlos Gomez, MIL

RF

Shane Victorino, BOS

Gerardo Parra, ARI

P

R.A. Dickey, TOR

Adam Wainwright, STL

With the selections influenced for the first time by defensive metrics provided by SABR, the National League Gold Gloves at their positions went to Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez, Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.

The Pirates trio may have been impacted by those fielding metrics, which purport to portray a clearer picture of defensive superiority than do traditional fielding statistics. Gold Gloves, awarded since 1957, have historically been products of perception and spectacular plays that tended to make lasting impressions on selectors. The new approach makes defense more quantifiable.

The Gold Glove he earned in 2012 for the first time is about the only thing McCutchen dropped all season. His inability to retain the award may not be a true upset -- in 136 fewer innings, Gomez did have 70 more chances, a tipoff to his range -- but it was ironic.

By all accounts, McCutchen was an improved, more impactful defensive player this season than he had been in 2012, when the attention drawn by his offensive exploits helped earn him the Gold Glove.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.